Overview
- The Clippers traded James Harden to the Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a 2026 second‑round pick hours before the teams met in Inglewood.
- Harden was ruled out against Los Angeles and, per reporting by Chris Haynes, is expected to debut for Cleveland on Saturday at Sacramento pending acclimation, with Denver the next earliest option if needed.
- Garland, a two‑time All‑Star, remains out with a Grade 1 right toe sprain sustained Jan. 14 and did not play immediately after the trade.
- Because the second year of Harden’s two‑year, $81.5 million contract is a player option, he had to approve the trade.
- Cavs executive Koby Altman called Harden an elite playmaker who can impact their championship aspirations, while Clippers chief Lawrence Frank framed acquiring the 26‑year‑old Garland as getting younger; Harden has averaged 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds this season.